Is Cannabis a Gateway Drug in Europe?

Some individuals argue that cannabis can lead to the use of other drugs, but what does the research indicate?

 Gateway Theory

Does cannabis lead to the consumption of more dangerous substances? This idea, known as the gateway theory or gateway hypothesis, has been around since the 1970s. But does it still hold weight in light of current research?

 What is the Gateway Theory?

The gateway hypothesis was first proposed by researcher Denise Kandel in 1975. Its basic premise suggests that most individuals who later experiment with illicit drugs perceived as higher risk (such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine) initially tried more accessible substances like alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.

This theory outlined a potential causal pathway for understanding how drug use begins and progresses. In popular culture, it has been interpreted to mean that if a young person starts using cannabis, they will inevitably transition to higher-risk illicit drugs and potentially develop problematic habits.

Problematic drug use can be loosely defined as consumption that negatively impacts a person’s health, safety, or relationships, or leads to addictive behaviours or jeopardises their social or legal standing.

In essence, the common understanding of the gateway theory is that the consumption of legal substances like cannabis, tobacco, or alcohol acts as a “gateway” to illicit drugs. These more readily available substances are often viewed as normalising or legitimising the use of higher-risk drugs.

Although cannabis was not the only drug identified as a gateway substance, it was the first illegal drug mentioned in this context. This occurred during the peak of the war on drugs in Europe, when politicians often used the gateway theory to justify the criminalisation of cannabis.

Is the Gateway Theory correct?

Global data indicates a correlation between initial cannabis use and subsequent use of illegal drugs. It is quite rare to find someone using higher-risk illicit drugs who hasn’t first tried cannabis, alcohol, or tobacco.

However, it’s crucial to emphasise that a demonstrable relationship does not imply causation. Most cannabis users do not progress to higher-risk drugs. It’s more accurate to state that cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco are widely available in many communities, leading many, especially young adults, to experiment with these substances first.

 Why the Gateway Theory May Not Be Accurate

Today, many adults in Europe can legally purchase cannabis, but previously, buying it from illegal sources increased the likelihood of encountering illicit drugs. The idea was that the same source selling illegal cannabis might also provide higher-risk substances. Reducing such exposure is one reason several European countries have begun to legalise cannabis.

Access to illegal drugs does not guarantee experimentation. A 2015 study found that fewer than half of lifelong cannabis users and less than 10% of newer users are likely to try illicit drugs.

Numerous social and biological factors influence why someone might turn to higher-risk drugs, and each individual’s reasons are unique. Importantly, mere experimentation does not equate to problematic use.

Some associated factors include:

Adverse life experiences, including childhood trauma
Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress
– Boredom
Lack of opportunity
– Socioeconomic status
– Genetics
Family and peer influences
Access to drugs

These factors, known as confounding variables, complicate the cause-and-effect relationships in studies. Researchers have raised questions about whether psychosocial or health issues existed before cannabis use, leading to increased risk, or whether cannabis use contributed to these problems.

 Do Any Drugs Fit the Gateway Theory Model?

Cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco have all been linked to subsequent drug use in various observational studies. However, biochemical research tells a different story.

Denise Kandel has emphasised that cannabis was not the sole gateway substance in her theory. Recently, she collaborated with biochemist Eric R. Kandel to investigate nicotine. Their findings suggest that nicotine can prime the brain for other drugs, enhancing the effects of cocaine and increasing addictive behaviours. Similarly, studies have shown that prior alcohol use can heighten the likelihood of cocaine addiction.

Initial studies on THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) yielded mixed results. A 2013 study indicated that rats exposed to THC valued nicotine rewards more than those who hadn’t been exposed, but earlier experiments showed that THC did not always precede heroin or cocaine use. Interestingly, another study found that prior exposure to THC reduced cocaine-seeking behaviour.

It’s important to note a major flaw in the gateway theory: cannabis is more accessible and generally has a lower risk profile than many other substances. Thus, along with alcohol and tobacco, cannabis is a common starting point for many users. Nevertheless, the majority of cannabis users do not progress to higher-risk drug use, and a variety of factors influence whether they do.

As for alcohol, research has produced mixed results. Alcohol can both enhance and inhibit the effects of other drugs, and heavy drinking is associated with numerous health and social risks. However, as with cannabis, the nature of the cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear.

 Conclusion

In summary, if there is a gateway drug, nicotine is the leading candidate based on biological research. However, the issue of illicit drug use is complex, and we do not fully understand the motivations and mechanisms behind addiction and risky behaviour in society.

The evidence does not support a direct pathway from cannabis to subsequent illicit drug use, but that doesn’t mean cannabis is benign or safe for everyone.

For comprehensive information on responsible consumption and cannabis cultivation in Europe, explore the wealth of resources available on the Cannabis Made Clear online education hub.